Dusky Hummingbird
Phaeoptila sordida
The Dusky Hummingbird (Phaeoptila sordida) is a rare hummingbird found only in Mexico. The dusky hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae.
About the Dusky Hummingbird
The dusky hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is endemic to Mexico.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The dusky hummingbird is 9 to 10.6 cm (3.5 to 4.2 in) long. Males weigh about 4.3 g (0.15 oz) and females about 3.4 g (0.12 oz). Males have a bright red bill with a black tip. Their upperparts are bronze green to greenish bronze that is more brownish or grayish on the crown and uppertail coverts. The tail is dull greenish bronze or grayish brown with a greenish gloss and dusky feather bases. It has a grayish streak behind the eye and dusky cheeks. It does not have an iridescent gorget like most other hummingbirds, but a deep gray throat with greenish flecks. Voice: What is thought to be the dusky hummingbird's song is "a quiet, dry, chippering warble". It makes "dry, slightly buzzy chips" and a chattering call that is described as similar to that of the broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) but "softer and more liquid or spluttering".
What the Dusky Hummingbird sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Dusky Hummingbird?
- The dusky hummingbird is 9 to 10.6 cm (3.5 to 4.2 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
- Where can you see a Dusky Hummingbird?
- The Dusky Hummingbird is endemic to Mexico, which is the only country where it occurs.
- What does a Dusky Hummingbird sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Dusky Hummingbird on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Dusky Hummingbird?
- The Dusky Hummingbird is most easily confused with the White-bearded Hermit, the Blue-chinned Sapphire and the Black-eared Fairy.
- Is the Dusky Hummingbird endangered?
- The Dusky Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Dusky Hummingbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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